J/109 Joyride wins at RSYC Double Handed Regatta

by Event media on 12 Aug 2008 The J/109 of Michael Jones, Joyride stormed to victory in IRC 1 at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club Double Handed Regatta sponsored by MDL Marinas, over the weekend 7/8 June. The class was a range of IRC from 1.015 to 1.107 with the J/109 having the lowest rating, despite the class including a J/105.

The sun shone and the breeze was a constant 12knots from the North West for the first race before it dropped, and the race required excellent tactics to keep out of the strong easterly tide. Joyride (Michael Jones/Richard Hinde-Smith) won the first race by 3mins on the water and 6minutes on corrected after a gruelling 2hours 43 minutes which at times was very frustrating.

It was intended by the PRO that the second race of the day would be shorter and it only took Joyride 1hour 25 minutes to claim their convincing victory by nearly 7mins on the water, and by more than 8 minutes on corrected.

Even less wind was predicted for the Sunday and the fleet enjoyed an excellent Saturday night and were perhaps slightly surprised to be met by a fresh northerly wind gusting up to 20 knots. A course was set of some 10.5 Nm and the wind did do as forecast and drop to 10 knots providing a race of some 2hours for the leaders. Joyride once again claimed victory although by a narrower margin (perhaps they partied too hard on Saturday night?!) as they won the race by 50seconds, nearly 3minutes on corrected.

Victorious Michael Jones from Joyride described the weekend as 'fantastic' with really good courses, decent length legs and sensible mark roundings. 'This is our first RSYC Double Handed season together and Richard and I are delighted to have won all 3 races as there has been stiff competition. The J109 is a perfect boat for two handed racing. The Sunday race had a lot of gybes on the runs, which with the strong tide, made for very tactical racing. Overall, it was a well organised and fantastic weekend.'

Leading Results:

1st – Joyride (Michael Jones/Richard Hinde-Smith) – 3 points
2nd – Elaine (Mike Bridges/Phil Stubbs) – 7 points
3rd – Malice (Mike Moxley/Huw Philips) – 8 points